Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair
Pearblossom, California
Details
Distance
7.37 miles
Elevation Gain
1870 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Masa Kato
Catch amazing views of rock formations caused by seismic activity on one of the multiple trails for different experience levels. There's also the possibility of longer backpacking trips through the high country. The park is dog friendly and has no parking or use fees.
What a hidden gem! A martian landscape full of faultline desert rock formations and joshua trees against a mountainous backdrop of the San Gabriels. Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area features a 1 mile well-marked, well-maintained single track loop trail inside the Punchbowl (great for kids) and a 7 mile trail to the Devil's Chair, a fin rock formation that offers panoramic vistas of the valley floor and the jutting sandstone formations. The second trail also features connections to trails that lead to the high country. Be sure to drop by the visitor's center for some great information on the wildlife, flora and fauna, and geological history of the area. Ask for a map, too!
Free entry, no parking fees or passes required. This hike is suitable year-round but just be careful of the high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Winter and spring are spectacular if and when it snows.
The trail is easy to follow and is about 8 miles out and back. The trailhead is right behind the porta potty in the parking lot. Keep left at the greenish water shed and continue for about 3 miles where you will start a series of switchbacks. You'll begin to see the chair as you traverse the ridge; be careful not to pass it, just keep following the trail coming up behind it. You will eventually reach a narrow ledge that overlooks the canyon with metal railing on either side – be careful and watch your step! Once you've reached the plateau, you can rest, eat a snack, and take in the gorgeous colorful view below and around. Yeah!
If you are into rock climbing, bring your gear! So many fun rock faces and shears to explore.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
I hike this spot whenever I want to get back into hiking. It’s moderate but there’s a fair a amount of elevation gain. I’ve only gone during fall and winter seasons. Sometimes there’s ice on narrow trails. Beware of poodledog bush plants (2022). Overall, the trail is well-maintained.
5.0
4 stars cause I've been tramping throughout it since a kid. Awesome rock formations and faces. The Devils chair day hike is a go to morning jaunt, be advised is in the desert and has extremes. Was there in February on a 80 degree day and last weekend (March) had snow on trail and ice. They have cool visitor center with animals, insects and used to have a bee hive in a cross section of an old tree (haven't been to center in a bit, usually break south and hit Devils Chair or the High Desert trail to burkhardt saddle or east to south fork camp ground
4.0
Cool hike, and a very nice scenery for being where it is. If you go at the right time there's a stream that you can walk along.
4.0
The chair is awesome for a day hike. Easy to get to.
5.0
I hiked this trail right after a small snow storm. It is a pretty amazing place. Definitely a must do hike to experience all the San Gabriel's have to offer!
4.0
Came here in the late summer and though the temperatures climbed into the high 90's, the strong breeze from the desert winds below offered a pleasant cool down in the shade. Brought my dog, Gerdy, and we hiked this trail in just a few hours, stopping for refreshments and photos along the way. We also ventured down into the Punchbowl to scramble over a few of the larger, smoother formations. Such a treat!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
Hike to Throop Peak, Mt. Hawkins, and Mt. Burnham
Little Jimmy Trail Camp
Cooper Canyon Falls
Hike Mt. Waterman
Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy